Model vehicle for erratic action

ABSTRACT

A self-motivating toy vehicle capable of erratic behavior comprising relatively large main support wheels, flexible tricycle frame means, a smaller forward action wheel, and propulsion means attached so as to locate the center of gravity and the direction of the propulsion vector in positions which promote vehicle instability when moving, and especially when the influence of said action wheel moving over uneven terrain is present. The action wheel may be resilient or spongy in order to enhance bouncing.

tlnited States Patent 1191 Peroni MODEL VEHICLE FOR ERRATIC ACTION [76] Inventor: Gary J. Peroni, Key Biscayne, Fla.

221 Filed: Nov. 18, 1971 1211 Appl. No.: 200,118

[52] US. Cl 46/206, 46/211, 46/221,

- 180/7 P [51] Int. Cl. A63h 17/00, A63h 17/26 [58] Field of Search 46/211, 44, 202,

46/206, 243 M, 243 AV, 243 MV, 243 LV, 243 P, 244 R, 201, 208; 180/1 P, 7 P;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,058,341 4/1913 Sparks 180/7 P 1,407,048 2/1922 Turner 180/7 P 1,577,743 3/1926 G0ssctt.... 280/150 C UX 1,782,508 11/1930 James 1. 180/7 P Jan. 15, 1974 2,177,499 10/1939 Schairer 180/7 P UX 2,264,030 11/1941 Tomasini 180/7 P FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 737,897 10/1932 France 180/1 P Primary Examiner-F. Barry Shay Att0rney-Lowe & King [5 7] ABSTRACT A self-motivating toy vehicle capable of erratic behavior comprising relatively large main support wheels, flexible tricycle frame means, a smaller forward action wheel, and propulsion means attached so as to locate the center of gravity and the direction of the propulsion vector in positions which promote vehicle instability when moving, and especially when the influence of said action wheel moving over uneven terrain is present. The action wheel may be resilient or spongy in order to enhance bouncing.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures The present invention relates to self-propelled model or toy vehicles and,more particularly, to an earthbound vehicle employing air propulsion and designed for erratic behavior.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Racing model cars as a sport is becoming increasingly popular among both young and old. This sport has engendered clubs which periodically conduct shows and competitive events. The popularity of this sport is fast approaching that of the hobby related to model airplanes and is following the same pattern of development. Thus, it does not seem to be unwarranted to conclude that the same type of individual who is interested in model airplanes is also becoming a model racing car fan.

However, as the sophistication of both sports increases, their related costs also increase proportionately. Thus, it is becoming ever more difficult for a hobbyist to maintain one of these hobbies, and practically impossible to maintain both. This difficulty is drawn into sharper focus when it is noted that the majority of these hobbyists are young people having only limited budgets.

Thus, it is a broad object of this invention to provide a hybrid vehicle capable of maintaining the interest of both model airplane and model car enthusiast, while at the same time attracting and maintaining an enthusiastic following of its own.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an earthbound vehicle constructed and provided with built-in instability generated by counteracting force moments to cause an unique, wild action and erratic behavior, especially while moving over uneven terrain to amuse and entertain the hobbiest. The vehicle includes a propulsion means, such as a small model airplane engine with propeller, a flexible tricycle frame with two large main support wheels on a common axle at the rear and a smaller, action wheel on the front.

The motor mount is directed slightly upward thereby directing the propulsion force vector generally forward and upward to encourage tipping forward of the frame to raise one or bothsupport wheels from the ground to encourage the turning, pivoting, reversing and other erratic action. The front action wheel is resilient or spongy to encourage bouncing and flipping of the vehicle. The main wheels, on the other hand, are rigid or semirigid and mounted on a single rigid axle, the axle serving as the pivot axis of the vehicle which is acted upon by the opposite forces created by the propulsion thrust and the bouncing of the action wheel.

When the vehicle flips all the way over, the spinning propeller immediately rights the toy and directs it at random for continued action. Meeting an obstacle causes a flip or glancing turn in another exciting, unpredictable manner. In instances where substantial straight line velocity is attained by the vehicle, the spinning large support wheels are subject to airfoil action that, along with the upward thrust of the motor, lifts and tilts the vehicle causing further erratic and amusing action in the form of turns, skids and spins.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a simple, low-cost amusement vehicle capable of attracting and maintaining the interest of hobbyists, such as the hobbyist devoted to model airplanes and model cars.

It is a related object of the present invention to provide a toy hybrid vehicle that draws from both model airplane and model car teachings to amuse the spectator by its unique erratic and unpredictable behavior.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a low-cost toy vehicle that is provided by design with means for creating opposing moments of force to generate front-to-rear pivoting instability causing, in turn, changes in direction, flipping over and other erratic behavior.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a toy vehicle having large rear support wheels and a smaller, forward mounted, action wheel all on a tricycle frame with a model aircraft motor for air propulsion, the moments of the propulsion motor and the bouncing of the action wheel being in opposite directions and generating unusual movement of the vehicle.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein I have shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by me of carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred form of the vehicle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the invention behicle taken generally along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an action view in perspective of the vehicle moving forwardly over rough or uneven terrain;

FIG. 4 is an action view of the vehicle under the dominant influence of a force vector from the action wheel on the front of the vehicle; and

FIG. 5 is still another action view of the behavior of the vehicle in a tyical flipping or backward somersaulting action and then return flipping after contact of the spinning propeller with the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to the several figures of the drawing, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment of this invention will now be undertaken. The earthbound vehicle 10 generally comprises a triangular or tricycle frame means 11, large support wheels 12 at the rear of the vehicle and mounted on cross axle l3 and a forward action wheel 14 positioned at the front of the vehicle. The frame 11 includes a pair of extended frame rods l6, 17 that intersect at the apex of the triangle to form an axle for the action wheel 14. A single transverse brace 18 may be provided to reinforce the extreme front of the vehicle in the area of the action wheel 14 to assure against bending of the rods 16, 17 and thereby to assure proper continued rotation of the action wheel 14.

The vehicle is provided with a propulsion means in the form of a model airplane motor 20 that is positioned between the main support wheels 12 above the axle 13. The motor 20 is provided with a propeller 21 mounted on the end of the forwardly directed drive shaft of the motor, a fuel tank 22 and a support and attaching base 23. The base 23 is attached to upstanding rods 24 that are an extension of the frame rods 16, 17; the thus unitary frame 11 passing through apertures formed in the axle 13 for a simple mode of fabrication, as best shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing.

As also shown in FIG. 2, the upstanding support rods 24 are provided with angular bends to preferably position the drive shaft, at an upward angle. The forward thrust vector of the motor 20 generated, as denoted by thrust vector V in FIG. 2, is thereby generated at an angle 0 to the horizontal, and this angle is preferably approximately Thus, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the spinning propeller 21 will create a lifting force F on the rear of the vehicle 10 and a turning moment M about the axle of action wheel 14 in addition to a forward propulsive vector F1, as shown in FIG. 2. i

In order to allow adjustability of angle 0, the upstanding rods 24 are such that they may be bent forwardly or rearwardly as desired to give the desired action.

The forwardly extending frame rods 16, 17 are preferably flexible or springy in order to add bounce to the front of the vehicle 10 as it travels over uneven terrain. Of importance, the forward action wheel 14 is preferably resilient or spongy to further encourage bouncing ofthe front of the vehicle 10 and thus cause an upward and rearward turning moment M about the axle l3 and therefore counteracting or opposite to the moment M The features of resiliency, that is, the flexibility of the tricycle frame 11 and the resiliency of the action wheel 14, causing the moment M generates an instability tendency of the vehicle 10 opposite to the moment M created by the motor 20. To put it another way and as will be seen later, the alternate overbalancing of these moments M M causes the vehicle 10 to do all kinds of crazy and hilarious things to amuse the spectator.

In contrast to the resiliency of the forward wheel 14, the rear wheels 12 are rigid or semi-rigid to give a basic stability to the vehicle 10 about the axle 13 that allows the counteracting moments caused by the action wheel 14 and the motor to dominate the movement and action of the vehicle. In other words, the semi-rigid wheels 12 will have a tendency to follow the terrain and not bounce excessively in response to rough portions or ridges in the terrain, and thus allow the resilient, action wheel 14 to dominate and thereby generate the critical rearward tipping moment M The wheels 12 are also preferably of hollow, lightweight plastic construction to give the vehicle 10 the requisite lightness to assume a relatively high-speed, skimming attitude of movement across the ground. This feature gives more capability of erratic movement when one of the moments M M overrides the other, or an outside force, such as an obstacle, is encountered. The extra lateral width of the wheels also is a desirable feature to provide an upper rotating surface at the top of the vehicle 10 over which a rapid flow of air moves as a result of the prop wash and the forward movement, as noted by the flow arrows a a whereby an airfoil effect is generated to complement the lifting action of the motor 20, which further contributes to the moment M Note the evacuated area s above and slightly to the rear of the center line of the wheel 12, which area s provides the aerodynamic lifting force.

Because the driving force of the vehicle 10 is by air propulsion, it is not critical that the rear wheels 12 remain on the ground, thus allowing the vehicle 10 to gain and maintain a top ground speed, regardless of the smoothness of the terrain. As the wheels rotate by engagement with the ground (in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 2 by arrow r), the boundary layer of air around the wheel is given a velocity in the direction opposite to the air velocity represented by arrows a a The differential between the two air velocities is substantial and the airfoil lifting force is generated in evacuated area s above each wheel 12. As previously mentioned, this contributes to the moment M and adds to the unique design of countering forces and inherent instability in the vehicle that causes the erratic behavior of the vehicle 10.

with reference specifically to FIGS. 3-5 of the drawing, the series of action views can be utilized to more specifically describe the unique erratic behavior which is characteristic of the vehicle 10 of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 is shown moving in a forward, substantially straight line manner being propelled by the thrust of the spinning propeller 21 of the motor 20. In this instance, the velocity of the vehicle 10 has reached .a point where the thrust vector V (FIG. 2) and the airfoil lifting action over the main support wheels 12 has caused the rear of the vehicle to actually be momentarily lifted from the ground G so that the vehicle 10 is assuming the exciting skimming mode of operation. Of course, as the rear wheels 12 are lifted, the moment M is increased tending to keep the forward action wheel 14 firmly pressed against the ground, as shown.

Now, assume a small irregularity, such as a ridge R is met on the ground terrain G by one of the rear wheels 12, or assume merely an unpredictable variation in the airfoil lifting characteristics of one of the wheels 12, either of which tilts the vehicle to the right as shown. The vehicle 10 has a tendency to turn in this direction, much like a wheelbarrow, using the action wheel 14 as the pivot point. In other words, as shown in FIG. 3 the vehicle 10 would have a tendency to turn to the right and head in a new direction, giving us a first unexpected and erratic movement of the vehicle to amuse the spectators.

With the vehicle still moving at high speed, assume that a second ridge or irregularity R is encountered, but this time by the resilient action wheel 14; it is being remembered that said action wheel 14 is being pressed firmly against the ground G by the moment M The front of the tricycle frame 11 is then suddenly lifted up, as shown by the moment arrow M in FIG. 4, and a rearward tipping of the vehicle 10 is started. As soon as the wheel 14 leaves engagement with the ground, the force V is now operative to generate a new moment M about the axle 13. In order for the vehicle to flip all the way over, the force of the moment M must be greater than opposing moment M and the c.g. of the vehicle must be shifted over axle 13, or from left to right as seen in FIG. 4. However, should the moment M not be sufficient to dominate, but merely momentarily balance the moment M so that the c.g. is positioned substantially directly over the axle 13, then the vehicle does a wheelie on its two rear support wheels 12, i.e., the vehicle 10 assumes the rearwardly tilted position of FIG. 4 and continues to move forward in this position for several yards, giving the spectators the excitement commensurate with seeing a vehicle engaged in rapid acceleration of a drag race.

In some instances, while the vehicle 10 is performing a wheelie, outside forces such as a bump on the ground G, a change in the airflow a a to cause a differential force from one side of the vehicle 10 to another or any combination of these forces, can make the vehicle 10 turn rapidly and even spin around 360 or more giving more excitement to the spectators. The vehicle 10 is unique in that the forces acting at alltimes on the vehicle, especially when travelling over uneven terrain, makes the vehicle unstable and thus cause the same to assume erratic and unpredictable operation that has heretofore not been obtained.

In the event that the ridge R or alternatively a hole in the ground G, is sufficient to create a sufficiently large moment M by interaction with the spongy action wheel 14 and the spring action of the frame 11, to overcome the reverse moment M generated by the motor 20, the vehicle 10 will do a backward flip or somersault, as shown in FIG. 5. This movement as represented by the solid arrow M in FIG. 5 is one of the most exciting of the repertoire of the moves of the vehicle 10. At the moment that the vehicle lands on its back, the rapidly rotating tips of the propeller 21 will serve as a flipping means to cause the vehicle 10 to immediately be flipped back in the opposite direction as denoted by the dashed line M Once again positioned upright, the vehicle will continue its performance of unexpected moves.

Should the vehicle not be righted on the first few engagements of the tips of the propeller with the ground, the vehicle 10 continues to move about on its back until the flipping is successful. The fuel tank 22 is a trick type so that the motor 20 is capable of operation in the upside down attitude of FIG. 5. Because of the unpredictable nature of the ground G which the propeller contacts and the unpredictable attitude that the vehicle assumes when it lands on its back, the vehicle 10 is flipped over and directed at random in any one of the directional radials around a 360 circle so that again the path of the vehicle has abruptly changed and the spectators are amused.

In the event that the vehicle running full force meets an obstacle, such as a tree, the front wheel 14 is immediately acted upon and the flipping action of FIGS. 4 and 5 can in this event take place. If the obstacle is met with a glancing blow, the tricycle frame 11 directs the vehicle 10 away, but again in an unpredictable direction.

The random movement of the vehicle 10 is a key to holding the interest of the operator and the spectators with this toy. On any particular run, the vehicle constructed in accordance with the present invention has shown a tendency for an unlimited repertoire of moves and actions. The construction is such as to be highly inexpensive so that children of all ages can easily afford this new sporting amusement. Competitions among club members is expected to be keen where each vehicle owner will attempt to create a balance between the counteracting force moments on the vehicle that will produce the most unusual and most amusing moves in a competition run.

In summary, it can be seen that a toy or amusement vehicle 10 has been provided that will intrique the hobbyist and children of all ages. The vehicle has a unique manner of counterbalancing the moments, M M and M, that create an instability for generating erratic and unpredictable behavior during a run. The forward action wheel 14 is spongy and tends to flip the vehicle 10 back onto its rear main support wheels 12, as shown in FIG. 4. Countering this moment M is the moment generated by the air propulsion motor 20, or moment M The instability of the vehicle generated by these moments causes abrupt turning, skidding, pivoting, flipping and intermittent straight line action that is highly entertaining. The vehicle is light so that it literally skims across the ground during straight line action. Because of the light weight and flexibility of the spring frame 11 and the propeller 21, the vehicle 10 will not cause appreciable harm to bystanders should it by its abrupt movement accidentally encounter the same.

Certain modifications, alterations and additions to the vehicle 10 of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the torque of the motor 20, that tends to cause a gradual turning of the vehicle, may be compensated by directing the axis of the motor 20 slightly in the counterbalancing direction. Alternatively, a stabilizer trim tab may be mounted on the back of the motor base 23 in order to provide the compensation desired. COnversely, such a tab may provide a forced circular path of the vehicle 10 in the event that limited running space is available. If desired, the tricycle frame 11 may be provided with a shell-like body in order to enhance the aesthetics of the vehicle 10 and thereby enhance the competitive spirit of the owners. Finally, the vehicle could, if desired, be adapted for reverse movement whereupon the wheel 14 becomes a following action wheel. This is accomplished by merely turning the motor 20 around or reversing the prop 21 and giving the motor an appropriate angle of inclination to establish counteracting moments and allow performance of any character desired.

In this disclosure, there is shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, but, as aforementioned, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environment and is capable of still other changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.

I claim:

1. A self-motivating model vehicle capable of erratic movement especially while traversing uneven or rough terrain comprising a frame, motor means on said frame for propelling said vehicle, spaced ground engaging means on said frame for supporting the vehicle, means for generating counteracting moments with respect to said frame for causing the vehicle to have instability to thereby produce said erratic action upon propulsion of said vehicle by said motor means over the terrain, said ground engaging means including at least one free rotating action wheel and at least two coaxial main support wheels, said generating means including said action wheel mounted on said frame spaced from said at least two main support wheels, whereby upon engagement by said action wheel of an irregularity in the terrain a tipping moment in the vehicle about the axis of the main wheel is generated, said generating means producing sufficient moment to cause the vehicle to be lifted free of the terrain and to fall into inverted position, and flipping means on said vehicle to flip the same back over into the normal running position to resume said erratic action.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said motor means includes an air propulsion motor mounted on said frame to cause the movement of said vehicle.

3. The vehicle of claim 2 wherein said generating means includes the motor mounted at an acute angle to the frame extending between the action wheel and the main support wheels to provide an upward lifting force and the moment on the vehicle opposite to that caused by the action wheel and whereby said vehicle tends to skim along the terrain during straight line movement.

4. The vehicle of claim 3 wherein said motor is mounted substantially over the support wheels on a rigid axle mounting said main wheels.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the propulsion means of the vehicle includes a motor driven propeller to provide air propulsion, said propeller being in a position for its blades to strike against the ground in the inverted position of the vehicle so as to form said flipping means, said propeller when rotating having sufficient power to cause said vehicle to flip back over into the normal running position.

6. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said frame is formed of a substantially triangularly shaped rod assembly providing a tricycle frame, said tricycle frame mounting said action wheel at one angle of the triangle, said frame extending through the axle supporting said support wheels, said frame being open adjacent said axle and providing upstanding rod extensions for support of the motor above said axle.

7. The vehicle of claim 6 wherein said frame is formed exclusively of a unitary rod member.

8. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said two main support wheels are mounted on a single transverse axle, said support wheels being semirigid and said action wheel being a spongy wheel and at the front of the vehicle, said support wheels being substantially larger than said forward action wheel, said motor means and said action wheel providing the instability about said axis, said propulsion means including an air propulsion motor providing a counteracting moment to that generated by said action wheel.

9. The vehicle of claim 8 wherein the air propulsion motor is positioned at a 15 angle from the horigontal to generate said counteracting moment, and to provide air flow over said support wheels, the support wheels being sufficiently wide to provide an upwardly directed surface generating an airfoil effect above and immediately behind the center line of the support wheels. 

1. A self-motivating model vehicle capable of erratic movement especially while traversing uneven or rough terrain comprising a frame, motor means on said frame for propelling said vehicle, spaced ground engaging means on said frame for supporting the vehicle, means for generating counteracting moments with respect to said frame for causing the vehicle to have instability to thereby produce said erratic action upon propulsion of said vehicle by said motor means over the terrain, said ground engaging means including at least one free rotating action wheel and at least two coaxial main support wheels, said generating means including said action wheel mounted on said frame spaced from said at least two main support wheels, whereby upon engagement by said action wheel of an irregularity in the terrain a tipping moment in the vehicle about the axis of the main wheel is generated, said generating means producing sufficient moment to cause the vehicle to be lifted free of the terrain and to fall into inverted position, and flipping means on said vehicle to flip the same back over into the normal running position to resume said erratic action.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said motor means includes an air propulsion motor mounted on said frame to cause the movement of said vehicle.
 3. The vehicle of claim 2 wherein said generating means includes the motor mounted at an acute angle to the frame extending between the action wheel and the main support wheels to provide an upward lifting force and the moment on the vehicle opposite to that caused by the action wheel and whereby said vehicle tends to skim along the terrain during straight line movement.
 4. The vehicle of claim 3 wherein said motor is mounted substantially over the support wheels on a rigid axle mounting said main wheels.
 5. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the propulsion means of the vehicle includes a motor driven propeller to provide air propulsion, said propeller being in a position for its blades to strike against the ground in the inverted position of the vehicle so as to form said flipping means, said propeller when rotating having sufficient power to cause said vehicle to flip back over into the normal running position.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said frame is formed of a substantially triangularly shaped rod assembly providing a tricycle frame, said tricycle frame mounting said action wheel at one angle of the triangle, said frame extending through the axle supporting said support wheels, said frame being open adjacent said axle and providing upstanding rod extensions for support of the motor above said axle.
 7. The vehicle of claim 6 wherein said frame is formed exclusively of a unitary rod member.
 8. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said two main support wheels are mounted on a single transverse axle, said support wheels being semirigid and said action wheel being a sPongy wheel and at the front of the vehicle, said support wheels being substantially larger than said forward action wheel, said motor means and said action wheel providing the instability about said axis, said propulsion means including an air propulsion motor providing a counteracting moment to that generated by said action wheel.
 9. The vehicle of claim 8 wherein the air propulsion motor is positioned at a 15* angle from the horizontal to generate said counteracting moment, and to provide air flow over said support wheels, the support wheels being sufficiently wide to provide an upwardly directed surface generating an airfoil effect above and immediately behind the center line of the support wheels. 